Video by MUBUTV – Music Business Television via YouTube
We Asked a Legendary A&R Exec to Reveal the BIGGEST Mistakes New Artists Make—Her Answer SHOCKED Us!
Legendary A&R exec Kim Buie breaks down the evolution of talent discovery, from smoke-filled clubs to today’s streaming and AI landscape. Learn her three pillars for artist success, get essential A&R tips, and hear stories from her work with icons like Chris Blackwell, Sturgill Simpson, and Ryan Bingham. If you’re an artist, music pro, or just passionate about the music business, this episode is packed with inspiration and real-world advice! 🎤🔥 #MusicBusiness #AandR #MusicIndustry
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Books mentioned & suggested:
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⏰ TIMECODES ⏰
0:00 Intro
6:46 How have the core responsibilities of A&R evolved in today’s music industry, especially with streaming, social media and AI?
8:17 What did you learn from working with Chris Blackwell and Jimmy Bowen early in your career?
15:38 Can you share a story where the freedom of an independent label allowed an artist or project to thrive compared to a major label?
20:19 What specific factors, creatively and non-creatively, are most important to you when signing artists, and how has your criteria evolved?
24:58 Was there ever an artist you championed early on when few others believed, and how did you navigate that?
26:16 What was it about Caroline Rose and Sturgill Simpson that made you invest in their growth?
30:33 What are the signs that an A&R–artist relationship is thriving versus at risk, and how do you repair it?
33:23 What are the biggest opportunities and challenges for A&R professionals working with indie artists today?
37:18 What is the single biggest obstacle you’ve seen that holds artists back from success?
38:31 Are there any books, films, or documentaries that have inspired you and you’d recommend?
41:52 What advice do you have for artists committed to building a career in music today?
43:01 What’s the best way for people to reach out to you?
🎵 Music provided by Disciples of Babylon. Check them out here ➡️ https://spoti.fi/3kSY0wR
To learn more about this episode visit:
https://www.mubutv.com/kim-buie-a-r-executive
Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
Learn exactly what A&R look for in new talent and how to overcome the artist self-doubt that holds your music career back. Ritch Esra and Eric Knight break down the realities of the music business so you can stop guessing what scouts want. This episode of the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast focuses on the practical side of the industry. We discuss the specific qualities and professional habits that capture the attention of A&R representatives in today’s market. Whether you are an independent artist or just starting, understanding what A&R look for is critical for navigating your next steps. Beyond technical skills, we address the mental hurdles every creator faces. By tackling artist self-doubt head-on, you can approach the industry with more confidence. Use these music business advice strategies to refine your presentation and better position your work for potential opportunities. Subscribe for weekly music industry tips , and comment below with the biggest challenge you face when trying to get your music heard.
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